At the 2011 Milwaukee New Tool Press Event, Bobby Shaw, who, contrary to popular opinion, is NOT a famous rock star, revealed the new M12 Cordless 1/4″ (2456-21) and 3/8″ (2457-21) Ratchets. These tools are seriously designed to replace pneumatic tools of the same type, and they have the torque to pull them off. The Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchets put out 30 in-lbs of torque and spin at up to 250 RPM. These compact cordless ratchets pack a punch while maintaining a very nice power-to-weight ratio.
Physically, there are some nice features, like how Milwaukee recessed the forward/reverse switch so you can’t accidentally bump it. There’s an LED light to keep the work area visible – and with a ratchet, this is super-handy. Lastly, a battery gauge lets you know how much juice is left, so you don’t get stuck with a dead tool.
Milwaukee 2456 and 2457 M12 Cordless Ratchet Features
Retailing for around $150-$160, the Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 cordless 1/4 in ratchet may just be one of the most popular 12V tools the company releases all year (there is also the 3/8″ Milwaukee 2457 M12 ratchet). It appeals to a wider variety of tradesmen and brings the automotive users into the world of 12V. We think the tool will be well-received because it’s only 10-3/4″ long and weighs just 1.9 lbs, making it an ideal fastening solution for auto mechanics and anyone doing routine maintenance or repair work.
The portability factor of these tools is almost unbelievable until you pick one up and realize that you don’t have to drag a hose to get your work done (not to mention service the air compressors).
The Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 cordless 1/4-in ratchet has a very compact 3/4″ low-profile head design, so you can insert the head into the tightest of spaces and get your work done. This is a huge concern for auto mechanics in particular. The M12 1/4″ (2456-21) and 3/8″ (2457-21) Ratchet Kits come with an M12 RedLithium battery and charger, but you can also get the tool-only models (2456-20 and 2457-20).
Specifications (2456-21)
- 30 ft-lbs of torque
- 250 RPM
- 1/4″ Ball Detent Anvil
- Length: 10-3/4″
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Includes 2456-20 M12 1/4″ Ratchet, (1) M12 RedLithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger & Carrying Case
Specifications (2457-21)
- 35 ft-lbs of torque
- 250 RPM
- 3/8″ Ball Detent Anvil
- Length: 10-3/4″
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Includes 2457-20 M12 3/8″ Ratchet, (1) M12 RedLithium Battery, 3/8″ to 1/4″ Adapter, 30-Minute Charger & Carrying Case
Is this tool on your radar? It should be. Milwaukee’s 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets are among the most impressive tools we’ve seen all year, if only because of what they represent: cutting the cord. And anytime we can do that and still get the job done right, we’re all for it.
